Jennifer Hudson pulled off a touching, 11th hour tribute to Whitney Houston at the Grammy Awards Sunday following the death of the 48-year-old legend.

It was a performance executive producer Ken Ehrlich promised would be "respectful" to Houston's legacy. Hudson proved his word when she took the stage with nothing but a mic and a spotlight, and offered a moving performance of "I Will Always Love You."

At the end of the song, she honored Houston by saying, "Whitney, we will always love you."

It was clear during her time on stage that Hudson was holding back tears, and reports are circulating that the singer had an understandably difficult time preparing for her performance.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, "She was having a hard time getting through the song, especially on the second run-through," a source said.

But on Sunday, the nerves were barely visible, and more importantly, weren't present in Hudson's voice at all.

I bet the ppl with the negative comments, about this woman who left a great and tremendous musical legacy which will impact generations to come, are just some pure racist hill billy rednecks...who are just jealous and mad tht she so great and will always be!!......When will ppl just respect the craft, and stop worrying about these ppl personal business???....get a life jethrow and billyann!!

Michael Jackson was another story. Incredibly talented and a hard working man. However, what bothered me was his family, after his death blaming the Dr. Granted his Dr was a peice of work but, if it hadn't been him, MJ still would have died of a drug over-dose. It was pretty obvious both MJ and Whitney have been using drugs and in Whitney's case, alcohol heavily for years. Why the "shock" when they die?

I, frankly, am sick to death of the Hollywood crew and their ways of living. Whitney had literally, everything handed to her on a silver platter. She was born with good looks, a musical talent and really, hardly had to work at it. She was discovered at age 20. From then on the money flowed in. She didn't even write her own music. In her peak, she pulled in more money each week than a common person could make in a lifetime. Then she turns around and gets addicted to drugs and never quits. Don't have alot of sympthay for that. A common person would be living on the streets if they lived as she did.

One has to but out laughing at Hudson. She tries to promote a diet plan on commercials and claims to have accomplished her goals but when you look at the size of her caboose you see she has a minimum of 50 pounds yet t lose, I mean you can hide 3 refrigerators back there and still have room for an F-150 pick up. When she sits down she sits all around the room and the 2 next rooms as well. Why do people who have a rear like this even pretend to have lost weight? If they have lost any weight at all it is like the weight Hudson lost, all of it ONLY between the ears.

The "Whitney Replacement" did a great job sinking a ceremonial "nail" in Whitney. Jenn, you ain't no Whitney – never will be – you couldn't come close to the notes, power or emotion of Whitney. I had no idea the industry could be such callous butchers – with Jenn and Clive being right up there at the top of the heap. Tyler P.: YOU were a chivalrous gentleman – God bless you for your kindness and care.

It was likely well-intentioned, but Jennifer Hudson has no business trying to cover Whitney Houston. She doesn't have the voice to pull it off. Hudson is a good singer–Whitney in her prime was a PHENOMENAL singer.

While I have never been a Whitney fan, ever, I have always ADORED Jennifer. Classy, beautiful, talented as a singer and actress, as well. Lovely to behold, talented and nothing but heart! Whitney NEVER had any of the above. Jennifer outshined her on every level, and I wish her nothng but continued success in all her future endevors. MORE TALENT then W.H ever dreamed of! All WH dreamt of was the crack-pipe! God bless, Jennifer !

Jenn fell flat and short of any kind of adequate performance....she should know better than to try to copy something she can't at least attain a close likeness to. Hudson has no sense of personal style....she has to copy others, even the dead.

Jennifer's tribute to Whitney was absolutely beautiful. Jennifer with just her microphone, no back up music.. just a natural lovely voice. I am sure Whitney would have been proud. Thank you Jennifer for sharing Whitney and Dolly's song with all of us. You are gifted and a survivor of unthinkable tragedy. I wish you continued success in your career and I pray the balance of your life is filled with joy. You deserve it.

Hudson's rendition just proves how much greater a songstress we lost in Whitney.So much contrast in their voices.Whitney's pure clear talent would overwhelm anything that Hudson could ever dream of showing, up on the stage.
We have lost someone who's success was truly her talent and nothing else. Thankyou Whitney

FACT: GOD DID NOT TAKE WHITNEY HOUSTON FROM HER FAMILY & FRIENDS, THIS IS THE RELIGIOUS
LIE.....SHE DIED....AND SOON WE WILL KNOW HOW IT HAPPEN.
GOD IS LOVING AND HOLY....NO PERSON WHO IS A PRACTICING FORNICATOR IS SINGING TO GOD
IN HEAVEN OR ON THIS EARTH -SING WHEN YOU CLEAN UP YOUR LIVE TO MEET GOD STANDARDS
NOT THE STANDARD OF "MOVIE STARS"
NOW WHEN IT COMES TO PRAYERS, I THINK MOVIE STARS THINK THEY CAN CHANGE GOD OR HIS
STANDARDS....LISTEN WE ARE LIVING IN WHAT THE BIBLE CALLS THE LAST DAYS, BRACE YOURSELF
IT NOT OVER, "HE THAT ENDURES TO THE END, WILL BE SAVED".
EXCEPTING THE TRUTH, READING THE BIBLE, AND REJECTING LIES WE HAVE BEEN TAUGHT WILL HELP
US TO ENDURE...PRAY TO MEET THE TRUE GOD, HE WILL FIND YOU AND DIRECT YOU.

Jennifer did an okay job. I think the task should have been given to someone with a voice more moving than hers. Like Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, or and ESPECIALLY Leona Lewis. her version during her year on X-factor was amazing. should have been HER!!! But again just my opinion

Beyonce a more moving voice??? Now that is funny. I guess you did not see Dreamgirls. Jennifer did a superb job in spite of all that was going on. (her own tragedies, less than 24 hours after Whitney died who she was close to, and Chaka Khan bowing out) Ms Hudson was extremely professional and respectful A good performance by a class act. l. And the comments by Celine Dion were very tacky. They show how much of a hater she is of Whitney's natural talent.

I thought Hudson was horrible. I find it utterly disgusting that Hudson is even mentioned as a comparison to Houston. LL Cool J is a fool for saying what he said. Hudson is a phenomenan as she is definitely one of the most unaccomplished singers to get these kinds of accolades. Her live singing is horrible and most of her fans confuse uncontrollable screeches with singing. Adele was there, they should have just let her do the tribute. Other than Adele, Beyonce would been better than Hudson as she has more control and is a way more versatile singer.

The only fool is the one who opens his mouth and removes all doubts!!She was fantastic to pay tribute with a few hours notice and did a heck of a job class can be high or low...some here just project low class.

My heart is heavy and my mind is still in shock over my favorite female vocalist in the world! Whitney Houston I love you so much baby! GOD bless your soul and may you rest in eternal peace and light of the Lord. My prayers to Bobby Kristina, Bobby Brown, Cissy Houston, Dionne Warwick and the entire Houston family and loved ones. We have truly lost an ICON & LEGEND! She was a beautiful woman and mother, tremendous talent and will forever be in my heart & soul!

R.I.P. Whitney. No matter what "people?" say you were just a human with a God given voice. You were not indestructable you were human, Unfortunately we all fall to our imperfections at some time, some we can overcome others overtake us. I dont know why the Lord called you home in this way, but, I will say there is a very loud message in this. We all need to do a reality check on ourselves. Whitney, you were called home for a reason, take the Lords hand and go. We that beleive will see and hear you again. As for the nonbeleivers, youll miss her later worse than you do now. Folks, let go of the distructive overanalysis of her passing and understand she was someone daughter, mother and friend. God loves her the same as He loves us all, if youll let Him

"...She kept it simple, no wild hand gestures or vocal gymnastics." ~~~~ What the hell is that suppose to mean? What an ignorant buffoon you are to make a dumb non artistic statement like that!!! CNN should fire yo' ass.

It means she didn't pull a Christina Aguilera or anything like that – with the stupid undulating and wildly matriculating hand gestures. She kept it simple. She let her voice be her art and her emotion, instead of being unnecessarily dramatic.

Jennifer Hudson was very poised, beautiful and professional at a very demanding hour. In memory of Whitney Houston, Jennifer's performance brought tears to my eyes. I felt that the audience reactions told the story as to how well she performed. I would like to express at this time my deepest sympathy to the family of Whitney Houston. The lost of a love one is the most trying and saddest human experience.

Jennifer Hudson has turned out to be a real class act as well as amazing artist. She has certainly been through more her fair share of heartache and loss and has learned to be humble, loving and respectful. She has become the benchmark for all up and coming performers...she's the new queen and I say "hail to the queen"

the performance was alright...however she's is no whitney....jennifer hudson screams in her songs too much...whitney is clear as a crystal in every single song she sings...jennnifer needs work on less screaming and more singing. she'll never be whitney

Yes, I agree. However, I don't feel Jennifer did her best. It was professional and respectful but, Jennifer's performance was 90% . I'm sure her performance could have been I00% if the situation wasn't so personal.

While I agree with most of your comment the fact that Jennifer was able to sing at all is a tribute to her professionalism. As it was written she broke down while practicing the day before. To be able to sing and not shed one tear is an amazing feat but Jennifer has been through unimaginable tragedy in her life and her faith is what keeps her going. Yes, it was personal because she knew Whitney. It was tastefully done and so real. I am proud of Jennifer Hudson. Brava.

Jennifer Hudson did a wonderful job, but..not to be disrespectful Whitney could never sing that song live the studio version was impectable but as far as singing it live she could never do it. I find a true artist sounds as good on the stage as they do in the studio. Celine Dion sounds exactly like she does on the radio that she does on stage a true talent. Whitney had a beautiful voice hands down but if you can't sing your top 3 songs live then don't sing them.
Very sad how we put these stars up on a pedastal even after they kill themselves. Amy Winehouse no different just another druggie who overdosed.

@ Rebbeca. Sounds like your judging these people for having an addiction. Shame on you ! No matter what cards a person may be dealt, that person just may be handling their issues the best they know how. Somwtimes they fail. After all they are only human. Don't judge if you have not walked in their shoes. I'm sure you have some issues also, maybe not addiction but, issues that could eventually cause destruction in your life. We all do! No matter how big or small, how public or private the issue may be. Remember, nobody chooses to be an addict.

hithey did sing it live saw her in concert several times enjoyed them and she song that song to a standing ovation
Celine Dion does not always sound just like her recording her last vegas show was not that good.at $275.00 a pop
for tickets it was a waste of my money and airfare. still I enjpy both artist music.

It was a HORRIBLE performance!!! What was with the "WHOOF" sound that she made with her cheeks when she sang the word "will". It sounded VERY weird, and she has a problem breathing and articulating her words properly.

Bee, calm down. If you want to point your finger and scream "Racist!" there are plenty of awful comments posted out there to do so, but nothing in this obnoxious clown's comment mentions anything about race.

It is really a sad thing we have lost another great singer and she was so pretty and her voice was so amazing and it is really sad that people that become famous sometimes let the devil talke over their lives with drugs and things and they are real great people, but are overtaken by such things. my prayers go out to the family and whitney i will never forget you ever......

I think it is important for us all to understand that people who have great strengths, also have great weaknesses. Obviously Whitney Houston had some personal issues and demons and no one is suggesting that we all agree with the choices that Whitney made.

However, and with respect for a great artist and performer who entertained millions of people all around the world, I ask that we find some compassion for a woman who left us all with some exceptional music and memories as well as the reflection of a truly brilliant career.

Such a bitter and angry individual. I hope when that mob comes to kill you, or that single person does you in, when you reach a hand out to another human being for help, they have as much regard for your life as you do for others.

Well, Christian, Richard is going to have to lick his own balls, but he is right about her druggieness. I get a little sick of how people elavate these "celebs" to sainthood, when, let's face it, they ain't goin' up, if you catch my drift.

I agree with Richard, this is not the Kennedy Assaination, let's move on! Nobody has heard a nice thing about Whitney is over 20 years, who cares?
PS* She BUTCHERED Dolly's song, and that is being kind to the dead.

Doesn't ANYONE remember that poor Jennifer HUdson's ENTIRE FAMILY was SLAUGHTERED in COLD BLOOD? No one wept for HER THEN< now they have the poor thing singing BOO-F***NG -HOO for Whitney, who esstentially, has been committing suicide for over 20 years? I say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! (BTW, Richard, shhh about your PERSONALS! )
IF YOU WANNA SHED SOME TEARS, do it for the innocent ones that suffer becuase of the SELF-CENTEREDNESS OF THIS CRACK HEAD!

You are such an insensative person...everyone has struggles in life, you are not perfect and I'm sure if your life was on display we would see things that we could throw up in your face, you shall reap what you sow.

I thought Jennifer did a magnificent job of honoring Whitney. She kept it simple, no wild hand gestures or vocal gymnastics because it wasn't about her – it was about Whitney. Excellent rendition – sweet and simple.

Stumbled across this and wish you could get it to the media touching....

I hope you read this and air the 10 seconds of attached clip. Please at least look at it. Compelling in indescribable ways. Whitney giving Michael Jackson a standing ovation. A totally breathtaking 10 seconds. Caution will bring tears to your eyes. Go to 3:50 – an iconic image forever............
I froze. Beautiful sad...[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex0A2GvgNYQ&w=640&h=390]
If this does not work its:
Whitney Houston Tribute to Michael Jackson 29.05.2010 Mannheim Part 1
at 3 minutes and 50 seconds. Uploaded by kallisto3000 on May 30, 2010 Total run time 4:54
Chills....

The performance was beautiful.It would have been just as beautiful If we as people would have celebrated her life with her as she lived.What we are doing now, Is what we should have done at the time of her trails and tribulations and life's issues.She was a beautiful person inside and out.Name one person that does not have issues in their life.

The performance was beautiful. It would have been more beautiful If we as people would have celebrated her life with her as she lived. ..What we are doing now, Is what we should have done at the time of her trails and tribulations and life's issues.She was a beautiful person inside and out. Name one person that does not have issues in their life.

I thought she was...nothing special. I've always thought that. I think she's one bad move away from Hollywood and the media trashing her and pushing her towards a potentially similar tragic end. It seems like people are waiting for a train wreck...or at least for her to get fat again, have a psycho breakdown, or something. The eyes tell the truth every time. Hudson's eyes always genuinely appear to say, "I can't believe I'm standing here...I don't deserve this." Don't hate the messenger on this. She wouldn't be the first or last pet project of a big name with connections in the music industry. Just hope that what the industry wants from her doesn't cost her life.